Savvy Home Updates

Pumping loads of money into a home revamp doesn’t mean that you’ll reap a proportionate return from your selling price.

First investigate how much you could sell your property for, factoring in the price of planned renovations, when comparing with prices of other homes on the market in your area. Then be savvy about selecting which areas to update.

Our experts have a few quick tips to help you out…

In The Kitchen

Our Expert: Carol Reynolds, Pam Golding Properties’ manager for Durban, Durban North and Umhlanga If you can’t afford a complete kitchen overhaul, a more effective way to update your kitchen is to choose one area of focus. Countertops always draw attention, but flooring and lighting are important, too, she says. For floors, make them contemporary with laminating or screeding. If you’re updating lights, bulkhead lighting, or hanging lights above a breakfast nook, can add real flair.

Outdoor Entertainment Area

Our Expert: Francois Venter, director for Jawitz Properties’ Western Cape area South Africans love entertaining outdoors, so gardens should be well maintained and patios made enticing. Create a covered patio section for al-fresco dining, or simply add a built-in braai – these are features that will really boost the appeal of your outdoor entertainment area. If you have a pool, it goes without saying that it should be properly maintained before you have buyers viewing your property, he adds.

In The Bathroom

Our Expert: Elaine Chetty, Seeff licensee for the Richards Bay area If you have a little more budget, keep in mind that additional bathrooms – guest loos and en suites – are becoming a common request from buyers who value space, she says. Another way to make an impact is to widen the shower area to make it a walk-in space, with a ceiling-mounted showerhead. But don’t take away all the baths: “Families still want tubs for the kids, and a claw-foot or standalone bath is an elegant fixture that buyers often covet.” Lastly, adding a nice big window will also let light and air into a room that has a tendency to be damp and dark. Homes that look fresh and well kept sell faster than those that need a bit of TLC.

In The Lounge

Our Expert: Rupert Finnemore, Gauteng regional head for Pam Golding Properties Kitchens and bathrooms are usually the first priority when revamping, but your lounge is an important room too, as it’s where you’ll be entertaining guests, or spending quality family time. Make it welcoming. If your home has pressed ceilings, like many in the established areas of Johannesburg, restoring and painting them is a great idea to renew the space. If not, a lick of paint and new cornices will go a long way.

Your Home’s Exterior

Our Expert: Corrie Fourie, a principal for Fourie Property Consultants in PE Budget allowing, swapping steel window frames for aluminium ones will give an old home a more modern look that buyers really love. Aluminium frames are a great investment, as they require minimal maintenance.